RG: How would you define your unique brand of musicality?
BC: I would define my brand of musicality as unique, an acquired taste, educational, expressive, inspirational and passionate.
RG: Was there a particular recording artist or song that influenced you into pursuing a career in music that you can remember?
BC: As I broadened my understanding of Classical music, I became influenced by artists such as Leontyne Price, Kiri TeKanawa, Beverly Sills and Jessye Norman, just to name a few. As far as some of the more mainstream Comtemporary artists, I would have to say Prince for musicality, Taylor Swift for her ability to write some great songs based on her own experiences, and Adele because of her voice and lyrical interpretation of music. On the hip-hop side of things, I would have to give a nod to Jay-Z, although I do not care for the explicit language in some of his songs. I respect the fact that he is a Black male who has seen a lot - both positive and negative - and has figured out a way to put those thoughts into something constructive and not destructive - at least from what I know about him.
RG: Who were the recording artists you were most impressed by when you were growing up? (The ones that made you say, 'WOW!')
BC: The artist that influenced me growing up was Marian Anderson. My mom used to tell me about the concert she gave at the Lincoln Memorial and was very lucky to be in the audience at that time. I remember listening to Marian's recordings when I was eleven years old, and wanting to know more about who she was. She was the first recording artist that made me want to figure out what Classical music was all about, and I loved the fact that she could not allow to see her skin color as a disadvantage. She stayed focused on her musical gift and kept moving forward without excuses, which made her accepted by races around the globe.
RG: You've received so many accolades and respect for your incredible vocal artistry. How humbled are you by all the love that has come your way thus far?
BC: That is a great question. To be honest, if you do not have people in your life to keep you humble, one could easily feel as if they are God. The way I have learned to handle it is by keeping my family close. My family makes it easy for me to stay humble. Every day I am humbled by the love and support that has come my way. Now I have made mistakes, failed and have had to pick myself up from my boot straps and learn from them, so that in itself can be a humbling experience. The interesting thing is that the high profile people that I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with, know the humbling ups and downs of the music and entertainment business. Several years ago, I received a beautiful red plate with gold from some friends of the family....I mean the kind of plate that is solely meant for royalty, you know? (Laughs) Anyway, I was not sure why there was just one plate. The moral of the story is, anytime you do something great for yourself of accomplish a goal, you get to eat from the red plate. Even now, whenever I or my daughter does something great (she worked really hard to get an 'A' on a test, or I finish memorizing a score that had been giving me a fit...lol), we get to take turns to eat from that one red plate. It just keeps things in perspective for me. Also, if any of my friends from college or high school even thought I was coming close to getting a 'big head,' I would never hear the end of it! (Laughs)
RG: Along with the immense singing talent that you possess, you are also an actress as well. How are you enjoying yourself on that end, and what can we anticipate down the road?
BC: I love acting. So many times your hear Classical singers can't act. As a Performance major in Opera, it was required that I study Acting. It went hand in hand. When I moved to New York, I studied with a great actor and teacher - the late Hal DeWindt. He taught me so much about acting and loving the craft of Acting. I have to act in order to interpret the story from the opera - most often in another language. I love the rehearsal process - examining characters and their relationships to each other. I have many projects that I am working on which will highlight more of my acting, so stay tuned! The one thing I did have to adjust to is that acting for the camera acting for the stage are two totally different approaches. Although you can interchange the same technique, one is bigger and broader such as the stage, where you have to think about having your voice and your actions carry to the back of the theater. As for the camera, my movements and jestures do not have to be as broad because the mics will pick up my voice, et cetera. I love acting on stage because of the whole 'The show must go on.' mentality. There is not a lot of re-adjusting of the cameras, et cetera, between scenes. You just keep going.
RG: What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
BC: Professionally speaking, there are many. From getting my first professional Opera job, to singing for international dignitaries, to being named a Marian Anderson Scholar in 2012, and being asked to sing for the Lincoln Memorial Concert Revisited. I am also proud of the fact that every day I become more passionate about the business that I am in!
RG: What's the best advice you've ever received from your parents as you were evolving into womanhood?
BC: The best advice I received from my parents continues to be to never be afraid of reaching your full potential. My mom always told me that being married is a great thing, but never be afraid of being your own person and having the ability to make your own way financially. My mom also taught me that being a woman has a lot of power in it, and to never let anyone try to take your inner power (your 'self') away because of their own insecurities. Being in this business and trying to maintain a relationship can be very tricky. It takes two committed people who want the relationship, and two people who understand the temptations of this business and be smart enough to recognize and ackknowledge it, but not fall prey to it. Also before my dad passed away, he told me that I did not belong to him anymore and that I now belonged to the world. I will never forget those words, and although it was difficult for me to hear those words, it became clear to me that he was giving me his blessing to go and become part of the world and make the world a better place through my gift of music. Everywhere I take my music and my humanitarian efforts, I take both of my parent's love and spirit with me.
RG: What's the best piece of advice you can give to a musically talented young lady who has dreams and aspirations to become a success not only in the world of entertainment, but in life as well?
BC: My advice would be to love who you are, and KNOW what makes you special and unique. Life is full of ups and downs, and can take you for a loop, but you have to stay strong in your faith and surround yourself with phenomenal people, because even when you fall short, those are the same people that will encourage you to go the extra mile. Also I would say to travel as much as you can because you can gain a lot of understanding about life and your place in it when you visit for just a few days to other places outside of your immediate environment. NEVER dwarf yourself to make others feel comfortable....Let others find comfort and beauty in ALL of your confidence - not just a part of it!
RG: Lastly, what can we look forward to from the multitalented and lovely Bridgette Cooper for the now and say, five-to-ten years down the road with the Lord's will?
BC: As for now, I would have to say some incredibly great music and sharing my passion with ALL people - not just people who can afford to go to the theater. I also hope for the 'now' to win a Grammy award and obtain more of a balanced, happier and healthier lifestyle from a personal standpoint. Now as for a few years down the road, I hope for more Grammys, continued musical success in the industry, singing at the Met Opera in New York City, becoming an incredible businesswoman, obataining more work in television and film as far as my acting career goes and most importantly, my continued love for my family and friends.
RG: Bri, it was such a pleasure interviewing you, and I wish you and your family nothing but the VERY BEST going forward. Be blessed!
BC: Ross, I thank you for having me, and I appreciate your thoughtful questions. I wish you continued success with what you do!
http://bridgettecooper.wix.com/bricooper
www.twitter.com/bridgettcooper
